TWO Berkshire teenagers taking on an 840 km cycling challenge for Berkshire Women’s Aid have already raised more than £5,000 to support survivors of domestic abuse – more than doubling their original fundraising target.
Before they had even set off on their journey, Harley Russell, 16, from Hurst, and Noah Reid, 16, from Woodley, had already raised almost £4,500, smashing their initial target of £2,000. As they continue their journey, support has continued to pour in from individuals, businesses and local communities, helping their fundraising total climb beyond £5,000.
The pair set off on Monday 13 July on their ambitious ‘Braking the Cycle’ challenge, cycling from Berkshire to Rosslare Harbour, Ireland, via Pembrokeshire in Wales.
Camping along the way before making the return journey by bike, they will cover approximately 840 km, raising both vital funds and awareness for Berkshire Women’s Aid. They were waved off by Aine, Fundraising Coordinator at Berkshire Women’s Aid, and are expected to complete their remarkable journey and return home around 25 July.
Harley and Noah chose to support Berkshire Women’s Aid because of the charity’s work helping women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
Their challenge aims not only to raise funds but also to encourage conversations about domestic abuse and the importance of supporting survivors.
Harley said: “We wanted to help a charity we could see had a local impact in the community.
“We have both grown up in Berkshire, living here all our lives.
“It’s nice to give back to our communities.
“As well as raising money for the charity we want to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the effects it has.”
The challenge has also highlighted the kindness of strangers.
After cycling around 100km into Wales, Harley and Noah stopped at the Mackworth Arms in Laleston, Bridgend, to watch the football and asked if they could pitch their tent in the pub’s beer garden overnight.
After contacting the boys’ parents to ensure they were happy with the arrangement, pub manager Phil and his team welcomed them with food, drinks and a safe place to stay.
Customers and local residents also donated to the fundraiser, demonstrating the power of community spirit.
Harley said:
“After cycling 100 km on Wednesday (July 15), we arrived at the Mackworth Arms to watch the football.
“We asked the manager, Phil, if we could be a bit cheeky and camp in the beer garden, and they were so supportive.
“The staff gave us free drinks, free dinner and set us up for the night.
“So many lovely people in Bridgend donated to our page as well, which we were so thankful for.
“Thank you so much to the Mackworth Arms team and the people of Laleston for donating and being so generous.”
Phil, Manager of the Mackworth Arms in Laleston, Bridgend, said:
“When Harley and Noah asked if they could camp in our beer garden, we could immediately see what an incredible challenge they were taking on. “Once we’d spoken to their parents, it was a pleasure to help them on their journey.
“What really stood out was how our local community got behind them. “Customers were keen to donate and encourage them, and it was wonderful to see so many people supporting two young men who are giving up their summer to raise money and awareness for such an important cause.
“We wish them every success for the rest of their journey.”
Alix, Chief Executive of Berkshire Women’s Aid, said:
“Harley and Noah have shown extraordinary determination, compassion and resilience.
“Before they had even set off, they had already inspired hundreds of people to support Berkshire Women’s Aid, raising almost £4,500 and exceeding their original fundraising target.”
“To see that total now surpass £5,000, thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and communities along their route, is truly incredible.
“Every donation will help us continue supporting women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse across Berkshire.”
“We couldn’t be any more grateful for their commitment or prouder to have them fundraising for us.”
Although they have already exceeded their original fundraising target, Harley and Noah are encouraging supporters to continue donating as they complete the challenge. Every additional donation will help Berkshire Women’s Aid continue providing refuge, advocacy, outreach and recovery services for survivors across Berkshire.
To support Harley and Noah’s Braking the Cycle challenge, visit:
https://localgiving.org/fundraising/braking-the-cycle
Follow their journey on Instagram: @BrakingTheCycle2026
